Sunshine Coast Covid-19: Five week old twin baby among new cases

A six-week old baby is among the new Covid-19 cases on the Sunshine Coast as hospital staff treat dozens of patients including five in intensive care.

Parents of newborn twins on the Sunshine Coast were shocked to discover their son mysteriously contracted Covid-19 when he was just five weeks old.

Michael and Zoe Dickson could not explain why Buster, now six weeks old, broke into hysterics and could not be calmed down on Sunday.

They took him to Sunshine Coast University Hospital where he tested positive to Covid-19.

The baby is one of hundreds to contract the virus in the past fortnight on the Sunshine Coast.

The latest Queensland Health data shows that 38 people on the Sunshine Coast have died from Covid-19 while more than 30,000 infections have been recorded since the start of the pandemic.

Mr Dickson said the family was unable to explain how Buster contracted the disease while he, Zoe and twin Millie had not.

“He was really hysterical and Zoe was having trouble calming him down,” Mr Dickson said.

“It was a huge shock to find out that he was actually Covid positive.”

Buster was monitored at the Birtinya hospital on Sunday which was a worrying time for the new parents.

“It’s pretty upsetting seeing the doctors and nurses all around him,” Mr Dickson said.

Sunshine Coast Local Medical Association president Dr Roger Faint is urging residents to get their booster shots as soon as possible.

Australian Medical Association Sunshine Coast president Dr Roger Faint said while children and babies could manage Covid-19, the virus could compromise their immune systems.

“A small percentage of children get severe symptoms but a baby having a cough, mucus, blockages, not feeding, it does put them at risk,” Dr Faint said.

“Babies have small airwaves so simple respiratory infections can cause grief.

“It just shows that Covid can infect anyone.”

Buster pictured in hospital being treated by doctors and nurses after he tested positive to Covid-19.

Buster is back at home where Mr Dickson said they were keeping his fluids up and regularly checking his temperature.

Mr Dickson said he was glad Zoe was vaccinated as soon as pregnant women were given access.

“I think we’re lucky (Millie and Buster) have those antibodies,” the hospital security guard and scuba diver said.

“It’s a relief, it’s made the situation a lot better for Buster because he could’ve been hospitalised for much longer.”

Twins Millie and Buster Dickson were born at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in January.

While data has shown daily numbers on the Sunshine Coast have slowed in recent weeks, tragically 25 people have died from the virus since February 3.

Dr Faint said he believed the worst of the Omicron wave was in the past.

He urged people to get booster shots as soon as possible to give themselves the best protection against the virus as possible.

“It’s still going to be around, so we need to be careful and keep wearing masks,” he said.

“It’s quite likely we will have more epidemics but I don’t think we will have anymore lockdowns unless there’s a new strain.”